KEY POINTS

• Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, Chief Imam of Ilorin, has died at the age of 75.

• He served as the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate for over 40 years.

• The cleric was known for promoting peace, unity and religious tolerance.

Family members and religious leaders confirmed on Monday that Sheikh Muhammad Bashir Saliu, the Chief Imam of Ilorin and one of the most important Islamic scholars in Kwara State, had died at the age of 75.

The cleric was born in Ilorin in 1950 and spent his whole life studying and serving Islam. He became a key figure in the religious life of the emirate after years of study. Many people who worshipped him saw him as a steady voice of guidance and moderation. His death marks the end of an era for them.

Sheikh Saliu became the 12th Chief Imam of the Ilorin Emirate in 1983 and held the job for more than 40 years. During that time, he led prayers at important times in the state’s history, presided over major religious events, and was a moral leader for Muslims in Kwara and beyond.

Four decades of faith and public service

During his time as imam, the late imam was well-respected for his deep understanding of Islamic law and his calm style of leadership. People who worked with him and followed him often called him a bridge builder who stressed conversation, patience, and respect for others in a diverse society.

Sheikh Saliu had a quiet but important role in community affairs outside of the mosque. He often used sermons to talk about peace and social responsibility, telling people to reject violence and accept living together peacefully, no matter what their religion or race was.

Local leaders said that his advice helped calm things down during tough times, which earned him respect not only from Muslims but also from the broader Ilorin community. Many people said he raised generations of clerics and students who now work in mosques and Islamic schools all over the state.

As soon as word got out about his death, people started sending in tributes. Worshippers came together to remember his years of service and legacy. Religious groups said that his death was a big loss for Islamic scholarship in northern Nigeria.

At the time this report was filed, the details of the burial arrangements had not yet been made public, but it is expected that Islamic customs will be followed in Ilorin.

Sheikh Saliu’s family and a large group of followers will remember him and follow his teachings and example long after he is gone.